Prediction: Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain

Verdict: Real Madrid – Draw no Bet

Best Odds: 13/17

Bookmaker: 888sport

Reigning European champions play host to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in one of the biggest Champions League Last 16 ties which is set to bring about plenty of excitement both on and off the pitch.

Real Madrid

With Catalan giants, Barcelona running away with the La Liga title – despite a couple of latest setbacks of their own – Real Madrid face a difficult battle to save their season. Los Blancos’ only chance of winning silverware this campaign is the Champions League where they will need to make a historic success of defending the title to make a big point to the world.

Real Madrid are out of the Copa del Rey and sit 17 huge points behind Barcelona in the league table. The current season came as a huge blow for the reigning European and Spanish champions but PSG will know better than to underestimate Los Blancos. Zidane’s men head into the crucial first leg of the Last 16 tie on the back of a resounding 5-2 La Liga win over Real Sociedad which will have been a huge boost to the team’s morale. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a perfect hat-trick at the weekend and could spark his teammates into producing an inspiring display. Madrid will still have to fight inconsistency in order to record a positive result against the Champions League crown contenders. Zinedine Zidane faced harsh criticism this season over his stubborn selection choices but the French legend is unlikely to ring too many changes to his first team.

Team News

Defender Daniel Carvahal will miss the Wednesday’s match due to suspension.

Last summer’s acquisition from Real Betis Dani Ceballos has been ruled out with an ankle injury, whereas out-of-sorts Vallejo and Luca Zidane are also unavailable.

Paris Saint-Germain

French behemoths Paris Saint-Germain have spent the last couple of seasons experimenting with different players and coaches, all in order to find a winning formula that would get them on top of the European pedestal.

With a world-record signing of Brazilian hot-shot Neymar and a loan deal for one of the most exciting prospects in world football Kylian Mbappe, it appears they now stand the closest to achieving their dream. PSG are locked on track to win their seventh Ligue 1 title and the commanding 12-point lead in front of AS Monaco will allow them a vital breathing space to concentrate and fully focus on their European exploits. Unai Emery’s men have had close to perfect group stage campaign, having topped the Group B with five wins to their name and a dead-rubber defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the closing round. PSG’s trident – MCN – Mbappe, Cavani, Neymar took a vital part in their club’s 74-goal tally in all competitions this season, which puts them huge 36 goals in front of their counterpart trio – BBC – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo, which is set to be a key battle between the two sides.

Team News

Hatem Ben Arfa is suffering from a leg injury, whereas Layvin Kurzawa is set to miss the first leg with a hip injury.

Edinson Cavani has had some hip problems but should be ready to feature, whereas Thiago Motta is lacking match fitness.

Key Factors to Consider

• PSG scored at least a goal in last 29 matches across all competitions
• Real Madrid conceded 22 goals in their last 21 games at Santiago Bernabeu
• Paris-based giants netted 74 goals in all competitions this season
• Real Madrid sit 17 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings
• Cristiano Ronaldo heads into the game on the back of his 43^rd Real Madrid hat-trick

Conclusion

The mouth-watering clash between two of the biggest Champions League title contenders is set to bring plenty of excitement. Real Madrid might not be in the best place at the moment but they should never be underestimated when playing their favourite competition. PSG are looking to get one step closer towards achieving their ultimate goal and there’s no doubt they will be inspired to put in a show and record a positive result in Madrid. Therefore, an openly-contested affair is expected.

Verdict: Real Madrid – Draw no Bet

Best Odds: 13/17

Bookmaker: 888sport